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"Oh! My! GAWD!" That was my reaction when I realized I had left my debit card at home.

I wasn’t headed out for the day. I was at Mumbai International Airport and shortly boarding the flight for my month long trip to Europe. I have always been clumsy and prone to disaster, but not carrying the international debit card was one of the worst screw-up I have ever done, or at least I thought so at that moment. Of course, I had a currency card and some euros. But that amounted to just 2000 USD or 1.3 Lacs as per the conversion rate at that time. The idea was to backpack, but I guess even backpacking needs some back-up. I had left my back-up at home!

As the flight took off I drew up a budget plan. I had €1000 cash and the rest on a Thomas Cook Borderless Prepaid card. I decided to keep the card for hotels and other payments where swiping a card is more feasible. I divided the €1000 into €250/week for cash expenses. It was not an easy target, as I was traveling unplanned. And yet, at the end of one month, I flew out of Europe not only basking in glory of achieving the target, but also with a bag full of souvenirs and a bottle of Absinthe. ;)

Here is how I did it –

1. Accommodation - Out of my 30 days travel, I stayed in –

a) Hotels for 9 nights.

b) Hostels for 3 nights.

c) Apartment for 3 nights.

d) And for the rest of the days, I couchsurfed.

Couchsurfing at a palatial bungalow at Salzburg

Couchsurfing saved me a large chunk of money. Of course, I bought gifts for my hosts but the amount spent was nothing compared to what I would have spent if I had booked a paid accommodation. When I did not get Couchsurfing hosts, I stayed at hostels. Only when I felt I needed some personal space, I went for private rooms in hotels. In Budapest, I ended up renting an apartment when a friend who was in Europe joined me for few days. We shared the costs and also saved a lot on food as we utilized the kitchen in our apartment.

The biggest blow came during the first week of my travel when I missed a connection train and got stranded at Salzburg for the night. That night every hotels/homestays/hostels in my budget were full owing to the date coinciding with a carnival. At 10pm, the only option I had was a 4 star hotel that had quoted 140 euros/night, which was way beyond my budget. I guess we Indians have excellent negotiating skills in our genes. I managed to get the tariff down to 85 Euros, though it still was a big blow on my already stringent budget.

Total spent - €577

2. Transportation – For the one month I was in Europe, I travelled across 6 countries – Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Hungary, Slovakia and Czech Republic, mostly by trains or buses.

Deutsche Bahn

Twice I rideshared with people who have put up their driving route on Blablacar.com. Once with a French guy who was driving from Ljubljana to Budapest in his Citroen Jumpy and then with an Iranian guy driving from Vienna to Prague in his BMW. The amount I paid was way lesser than what I would have paid for train or bus and I also got to interact with the locals and enjoy a long drive on scenic European routes.

As for intercity travels, I mostly bought day cards, wherever available. In smaller towns like Hallstatt and Cesky Krumlov, I preferred to walk – it’s the best way of exploring, after all. By sheer luck, at Rothenburg ob der tauber and Salzburg, my couchsurfing hosts were gracious enough to drive me around the town.

Total spent - €400 (approx.)

3. Food and Drinks –

a.Food - I am a foodie and more than that, I have a penchant for restaurants with a view, which as a matter of fact, are quite expensive too. I have dined at the castle restaurant at Salzburg, at restaurant Bella Vista which overlooks Prague and at Comme Chez Soi at Budapest (Best in the city as per Tripadvisor and moi).

Freshly caught trout grilled with almond butter sauce, Hallstatt

Though I saved on food while staying at the Budapest apartment and through complimentary breakfasts and take-away places, I ended up spending almost an equivalent of what I spent on accommodations.

b.Drinks – Partying in Europe can definitely be heavy on the pocket even if you are ordering those cheap Czech beer that cost less than an euro per pint. And for a solo woman traveller, getting sloshed is never a good idea. Considering these two reasons, I hardly ever went on a drinking spree. I did get high on 3 nights when I had some excellent company, but that did not break my budget.

Prague Beer Museum, Prague

Though the highest I have paid was €31 at Hard Rock Café (Budapest), my average expenditure for food and drink stands at €18/day.

Total spent - €550 (approx.)

4. Miscellaneous – My travel style saved me a lot of money. I am not a museum person and I hate it when entry to a place of worship is charged. So I anyways skipped the museums and those paid churches and synagogues. I like to merge with the city by getting to know the locals and through them, its culture. I like to explore around rather than rushing to tick off those must-see places. So I only paid for entering the places of ‘interest’ (no pun intended), like the baths in Budapest or the medieval European castles.

Szechenyi thermal bath, Budapest

The miscellaneous cost also includes activities like the night cruise on the Danube at Budapest, gifts for couchsurfing hosts, chance shopping at Ljubljana and Budapest and so on. As funny as it may sound, but based on the balance €8 I had on me when I flew out of Prague at the end of my trip, I can safely assume that the total miscellaneous spend was close to €265. And yes! That includes the bottle of Absinthe too ;)

So, there you go - 30 days in Europe in 1.3 Lacs!

Europe is anything but cheap, but it is absolutely possible to cut down costs. Couchsurfing helps, and so does ridesharing to travel. Cooking your food helps, and so does eating at places where the locals go. Happy hour helps, and so does buying your booze at the supermarket.

Being a vast continent, the cost of traveling in Northern Europe (Scandinavia), Western Europe, Southern Europe and Eastern Europe vary by a big margin. For the first 12 days when I was traveling in Germany and Austria, my average budget was €75/day. The average dropped to €45/day the moment I left Western Europe and entered Slovenia. Jointly that averages out to €60/day which is a tough target to achieve.

In the end forgetting the debit card felt like a blessing in disguise. Of course there are ways to get money through Western Union for emergency situations. Luckily, I didn't face any and instead, took upon the challenge to travel in Europe for one month under 2000 USD. I succeeded!

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A big thanks to Lufthansa who sponsored my round trip flight to Europe.

I have never asked for free Dhaniya and Mirchi, nor do I remember the last time I haggled to get the price of that pretty dress down. I am one of those Indians who rarely does street-side bargaining. But I am still an Indian and Indians are opportunist. Paisa Vasool-ism is in my genes and I use it for what I am best at - Traveling!

Budgeting and negotiation skills can get you some real extra value and save many green bucks when you are on the road, and so does knowing about some of those sites that help you choose the most economical option be it flight or hotel or food. So here are some of those excellent Paisa-Vasool-While-Traveling hacks that will either save your money or give you that 'extra value' for what you spend -

1.Accommodation -

oBooking.com - I have booked numerous hotels in the last
two years through Booking.com and without paying a single penny in advance. If
your plans change or you find a better place to stay, you can always cancel
your booking without paying any cancellation fee. Now isn't that a 'paisa
vasool' feature?

oCouchsurfing- Find a host in the city you are traveling to
and you get to stay for - Free! And you also get to meet and interact with some
locals. Don't forget to buy your host a small token of gratitude in return,
that's basic courtesy. Yet imagine how much you ended up saving by choosing a
local host instead of a hotel. What more 'paisa vasool' can you wish for?

2.Food -

o'Breakfast Included' - If you are still
booking a hotel, book one that mentions these words - 'Breakfast Included'.
That way you end up saving on the price you would have paid for breakfast else
where. #PaisaVasooled

oEatWith.com - We Indians don't mind paying those extra
bucks, but it should be worth it. Who wouldn't love to sample some local food
while traveling. But we really don't know how genuine the restaurants would be. Instead
try EatWith.com where you eat at a local's home by paying him or her a small
price in exchange for the amazing meal that they would cook for you - local and
authentic. Some real Paisa Vasool you did right?

3.Transportation -

oRome2Rio.com - This site works like magic. It shows you the most fastest
and economical way to get from one place to another. It shows you the route and
it shows you the approximate expense - in Indian Rupees. Imagine how convenient
it is to already know which is the cheapest as well as fastest transportation
option from Point A to Point B. Remember the saying, time is money. You end up saving so many extra bucks and time
too.

oSkyscanner - Skyscanner is a flight aggregator that shows
you the cheapest deal and lets you compare flight
fares available across different booking portals. Skyscanner, however,
won't book the flight for you and instead transfer you to the Airline's or
travel site. It is a great way to find the most economical flight for your
desired route.

We'll be happy to get the best deal through Skyscanner, but at the back of our minds we know we'll be flying economy. Whichever airline we book, economy class always means cramped up seats, less leg space and no privacy. We'll always crave to travel in Business Class and sometimes even First Class (in our dreams) and pacify ourselves saying - Every dog has his day. But when is that day going to come? The sky high prices are surely not coming down and that means you'll have to win a jackpot to experience the comfort of Business Class.

Say goodbye to cramped up legrooms. The leg space in Lufthansa Premium Economy is 50% more than what you get in regular economy class.

New wider seats which are way more comfortable.

Separate Armrest would be the biggest hit with me. Have you ever been in a cold war with the passenger sitting next to you, each trying to get a more comfortable share of the thin armrest? Well, you are not alone. I surely have experienced this a zillion times and the separate armrest sounds like 'Phew' to me.

Footrests to, of course, rest your foot. You know how much they are needed in those long haul flights to just stretch out and be comfortable.

Storage spacewhere you can keep your titbits and knick knacks.

Fold-out table that helps in working on your laptop or while just reading a book. I have often opened the fold-able tray at the back of the seat ahead to keep a book on it while reading. And no prize for guessing what happens when the passenger ahead suddenly feels like reclining his seat. Bam!

Extensive Food Menu to choose your dish from. Now when was the last time you were handed a Menu card in Economy class.

Water Bottle always at your disposal at your seat because in long haul flights, it is very easy to get dehydrated. How thoughtful of Lufthansa, isn't it?

Welcome Drink That's the best way to make me happy at the onset. Period!

And it's not like you'll have to keep holding your drink. There is a Drink Holder in the armrest. How thoughtful - again.

Bigger entertainment screen of the size 11/12 inches where you can watch movie or play a game or plug in to your favourite music channel.

Remote Control to save you from leaning ahead every time you watch to switch a channel or fumbling to find those channel buttons fitted to your armrest.

Separate Power Outlet to let your charge your gadgets even while you are 'in air'.

Travel Accessories like moist towel, sleep mask, toothbrush and ear plugs are needed in a long duration flight and we mostly carry these if we are traveling in Economy class. If you are traveling in Lufthansa Premium Economy, you really don't need to as Lufthansa takes care of that need too.

Extra Baggage!! Who doesn't love that? If you are traveling in Lufthansa Premium Economy you get free baggage allowance of 2 cabin baggage of 50 lbs. Paisa Vasool isn't it? And all this while we have been paying loads of money for those extra bags.

Lufthansa Business Class lounge access is also available to Premium Economy travelers for an affordable fee. Imagine moving into a comfort zone even before the flight has taken off?

Well that, and all that I mentioned above are actually possible in the Lufthansa Premium Economy with a little extra fare than the regular Economy Class and that extra fare is nothing in comparison to the whopping fare of a Business Class seat. And not to mention you get so many extra features, 'values' to be precise, for the small upgrade amount you pay. Then why not? Isn't it what we Indians call as 'Paisa Vasool'ed - that extra value that we get in exchange for that hard earned money. The bottomline is 'It's a class apart!'.

Dorjay wiped the windscreen for the third time. It was getting more and more difficult to see the road ahead. Even in the air-conditioned car, I could feel the chill in the air. He pointed to his right."That's the Sankar Gompa", he said. On another day, may be we could have stopped to explore the monastery. Not today. The weather was turning worse with every passing minute.

"If it's raining in Leh, it must be snowing in Khardungla", he quipped. I love snow, but today I just frowned. When it snows up there, it rains at the lower altitudes which may cause landslides. A long silence followed. There were 5 of us in the car - 4 Indians and our French friend Jeremy, but none of us spoke a word as the car sped towards South Pulu, the first check point on the way to Nubra Valley.

We soon found ourselves ascending and getting more and more closer to the drifting clouds. Apart from the continuous drizzle, it really wasn't that bad. I had almost started to feel relieved when we joined the long line of cars at South Pulu. 'Routine check', Dorjay said.

More minutes passed. Things were getting a little stranger. When the cars ahead of us didn't budge an inch for almost half an hour, Dorjay decided to walk ahead to check what's happening. After that it didn't take much long for the news to reach us. The road to Khardung La was shut down due to a massive landslide few hairpin bends ahead. It was a major blow to our plan and exactly what we had feared for.

The disheartened look on the fellow travelers' faces all around added to the gloom. For most people a trip to Ladakh always comprises of a packed schedule. Everyone wants to see everything in the little time they have. What they don't understand is that the weather up here is so unpredictable that it can change any moment screwing up a part of that super packed itinerary.

As more minutes passed, one by one the cars turned around and headed back to Leh. In the end, it was just us and a handful of bikers - the kind of people who always cling to hope. To while away the snail-paced time, we had maggi at the wet canteen, spoke with the Siachen Brigade officers and made friends with the only wildlife we spotted around that check post - a furry dog and a furry yak.

And in this way 4 hours were spent, and then finally the Army signaled the road open. As we crossed the first hairpin turn, we realized we were about to head for an off-road ascend. There was no tarmac. It was a dirt track that looked slushy and extremely dangerous. After few minutes the army stopped us again and this time to let one of their trucks pass, which was carrying casualties back to Leh. That experience was like a blow right on the face. We had no idea how the 5 Indian army personnel had died but nevertheless we bowed in respect.

When we started back again, there was pin drop silence in the car broken occasionally by the freaked out banter of Dorjay who kept saying that it's not advisable to drive to Khardung La on such a day. But turning back was never an option.To lighten the mood, Jeremy said he'll sing the Indian National Anthem if we succeeded in crossing Khardung La - alive.

As we spotted the first colorful prayer flags after miles of colorless snow, we knew we were getting close to the highest motorable road in the world. Had it been a little bit more slushy, I wouldn't have called it motorable.

At 18380 feet, we were finally standing in knee deep snow at Khardung La, with fluttering prayer flags all around. What a feat to achieve, and more so on this perilous day!

The way down to North Pulu was as slushy as the ascend. But by now we realized that the reason we were still able to traverse on this stretch was due to the outstanding BRO workers. Even under such harsh conditions, they were working relentlessly so that the army and people like us could pass. These were the real great men, not appreciated enough, not documented anywhere.

We did reach Nubra Valley that day, passing through the famous Khardung La that was at its treacherous best. And in the joy of such an achievement, I forgot to teach our French friend the Indian national anthem, which would have been another feat in itself. The next day as we headed back to Leh through the very same Khardung Laa, we couldn't help but swear out loud. There was not a trace of snow and slush on this route that could have almost killed us the day before.

“And in those earthly tones of the naked landscape, lies an unearthly beauty. Its ruggedness and ruthlessness will mesmerize you, as much as it would intimidate you under harsh conditions. It is for these naked mountains that you would go back every time, for your soul is lost there, as is your heart.”

– Sanghita Nandi ;)

Dreamt of visiting Ladakh but could never manage all the hassles of researching, planning, and booking?

It gives me immense wanderlusting pleasure to launch the first group trip of ‘A Traveller’s Diary’. And to none other than the Baap of all Indian destinations -

LADAKH!!!

Join me on a full-circuit road trip to this majestic destination this August and be rest assured of a trip of a lifetime!

Come August 15th, you can join me on this epic full circuit road trip when we'll enter Ladakh through the breathtaking Srinagar-Leh Highway, explore ways of getting Leh’d, check off Khardung La – the (disputed) highest motorable road from your bucket list, roll in the sand dunes of India’s only cold desert in Nubra Valley, camp by the shore of the ethereal Pangong and be bowled over by the stunning Tso Moriri. And once we are done with all these and more madness like racing to the top of that mountain, throwing snowballs at each other and finding those cute marmots (and may be Galdalf’s horse too), we’ll head out of Ladakh through the challenging Leh-Manali Highway which passes through terrains like the Moore Plains, Gata Loops and the Baralacha La.

Now who can say No to that eh?

To all those adrenaline junkies out there, remember the road is life and there are no better roads in India for a road trip than the ones in Ladakh. From the excellently laid tarmac to tire cutting road to dirt tracks perfect for off-roading, Ladakh has it all.

So what are you waiting for? Come along! Come Solo, come with friends, come with your cool Mom, come with anyone you want to bring along.

Included in price:1. Houseboat accommodation in Srinagar for 1 night.2. Accommodations on MAP basis at Kargil, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri and Jispa.3. Accommodation on CP basis at Leh.4. Accommodation on EP basis at Manali.5. All road transfers during the trip.6. All permits7. And like you expected – a badass guide ;)

Last date for booking: 15th July 2015

For more details, you can contact me through the following ways – 1. Contact me through this event page - http://on.fb.me/1d3GcX2,2. Mail to travelwithsang@gmail.com3. Or, send me an owl – Harry Potter ishtyle.Cancellation Policy -

If cancelled 60 days prior to departure date, 25% cancellation fee would be charged.

If cancelled 30 days prior to departure date, 50% cancellation fee would be charged.

If cancelled 15 days prior to departure date, 75% cancellation fee would be charged.

If cancelled less than 15 days to departure date, 100% cancellation fee would be charged.

"If you're listening, if you're awake to the poignant beauty of the world, your heart breaks regularly. In fact, your heart is made to break; its purpose is to burst open again and again so that it can hold evermore wonders." - Andrew Havey, on Ladakh.

Have you ever wondered why Ladakh is the most beloved destination of India? The Baap of all? What makes throngs of travelers, from both India and abroad, head there every year and some year after year? What is so special about that place that makes those who have been to Ladakh go on and on about it? There must be something right? Something that makes us fall in love madlywith that place called Ladakh. Have YOU been there yet? So as the roads to Ladakh are about to open in a month's time (Srinagar-Leh Highway is already open), here is me giving you 20 reasons to take a break, head to this trip of a lifetime and fall in love with Ladakh -

1. Unearthly Beauty in Earthly Tones

If you come in through the Srinagar-Leh Highway, you
will see the landscape change after crossing Zozi La. If you come in through
Leh-Manali Highway, you'll realize it after leaving the Lahaul Valley. The
green suddenly disappears to give way to a naked terrain. And yet in those
earthly tones of the naked landscape, lies an unearthly beauty. Its ruggedness
and ruthlessness will mesmerize you, as much as it would intimidate you under
harsh conditions. It is for these naked mountains that you would go back every
time, for your soul is lost there, as is your heart.

2. A Photographer's Delight

You would have heard this a zillion times - when you are in Ladakh, wherever you point and shoot, it is going to be an outstanding photograph. Good photography does not happen by accident, but because of it's unearthly terrain, Ladakh sure does increase your chance at that. And who wouldn't love to show off some great landscape shots - of stark blue skies, snow capped mountains, azure blue lakes and low lying clouds! And that's just to start with. Ladakh will surprise you at every angle, in every frame.

3. The Silent Prayer Flags

They sometimes wave gently and sometimes flutter furiously, raged by the mountain wind. You will find them at places with strong wind, mostly on the high passes. You will notice them tied on the bikes; and maybe even the cars. And it will make you wonder, what is so special about these colorful fabrics? Though you are on a closer hearing range from heaven here, the prayer flags are not for communicating your personal prayers to God. They are for the greater purpose of bringing good to all being, be it happiness, peace, wisdom or health. As the wind carries the spiritual vibrations, all those touched by it are blessed. Standing next to these selfless and silent prayer flags, you will feel a little happier and at peace with yourself.

4. Land of High Passes

Nowhere else in the world would you find
so many high passes concentrated within one region. The highest and most famed
is the Khardung La, at a height of 18,380 feet. Then there is Zozi La,
Namika La and Fotu La on the Srinagar-Leh Highway,
Chang La on the way to Pangong Tso and Taglang La,
Lachulung La and Nakee La on the Leh-Manali Highway. These are of course the well documented ones and the list doesn't end there. For
those who love to venture off the beaten track, Ladakh has many more high
altitude passes to offer like the Pensi La, Marsimik La, Rezang La or Wari La.

5. The High Altitude Tso

Where else will you find a lake competing with the shades of blue of the sky and win over it. Not long ago had Pangong Tso held my breath as I sat by its banks enchanted. But like the high passes, the list of lakes of Ladakh doesn't end here. There are of course Tso Moriri and Tso Kar, and then there are the lesser known ones like the Chagar Tso, Kiagar Tso, Mirpal Tso, Kyun Tso and Yaye Tso - each with a beauty of its own.

6. The Surreal Combo

If you have been to Nubra Valley in Ladakh and not been awestruck, swear out loud in the comment box. Nubra is an unparalleled combo of nature with mountains, deserts and river, all in one place. It is a sight to behold as you drive beside the Shyok river, walk on the Hunder sand dunes and wherever you turn your head, you see towering snow capped mountains under the blue sky.

Ladakh is a trekker's paradise, no doubt about that. There is a range of options to choose from starting from the most famed Chadar trek to challenging Stok Kangri trek to stunning Markha Valley trek and many more. You'll never run out of trekking options here. Just pack your backpacks, pick a direction and chart out your own trekking route.

8. The Great Indian Roadtrip

Some love trekking, and then
there are those who love to test their metal behind the wheel, be it a 4WD or a
bike. For them, the road is life. And for those adrenaline junkies, there are
no better roads in India for a roadtrip, than the ones in Ladakh. From the
excellently laid tarmac to tire cutting road to dirt tracks perfect for
off-roading, Ladakh has it all.

9. Land of Gompas

Ladakh has the highest concentration of Gompas in India. These monasteries are like treasure troves of centuries old scriptures, rich Thangka artwork, exquisite murals and ancient relics. Whether you want to silently admire these ancient treasures or want an insight into Ladakh's culture or just want to rejuvenate, a visit to one of these monasteries is a must. And while you are there, don't forget to interact with the shy lamas and nuns, for it is them who have kept this ancient culture alive.

10. Monastic Festivals

With monastries, come the monastic festivals. If your timing is apt and you end up at a monastery during one of its festivals, you can chance upon the colorful masked dance known as Cham, and be fascinated by the bizarre-ness of it. Though Hemis Festival of Hemis Monastery is the most famed one, for a less commercialized affair, head to a smaller monastery.

11. Stargazing

Ladakh is among the top places in India for stargazing and astrophotography. I couldn't help but gawp at the night sky at Pangong Tso last July, when I saw billions of stars staring back at me. You can have a similar experience at Nubra Valley too, but for the crème de la crème, obtain a special permit and head to Hanle, which is like a mecca for anyone who wants to photograph the milky way. It also has the Indian Astronomical Observatory which houses the second highest optical telescope in the world.

12. The Exotic Wildlife

Ladakh, lying in the palearctic ecozone, has an unique ecosystem and is home to a range of free roaming exotic wildlife. Though you have to be extremely lucky to get a glimpse of the elusive Snow Leopard, you can easily spot marmots, kiangs (Tibetan wild ass), ibex, bharal, urial, yaks and wild horses in their natural habitat. As for avifauna, there are more than 300 species of birds, both native and migratory. All these makes

Yes,
the local mountain folks are extremely friendly. But it is not just about them.
There is some kind of magic in the air that makes Ladakh
the most friendly destination in India, with friendly locals and even friendly
fellow travelers. Wave at a biker and you'll know. Smile at a
passerby and you'll know. There is a sense of friendship and camaraderie that
is synonymous to Ladakh and I am still trying to unravel how people go and
unite there.

14. Witty BRO Signs

"Be soft on my curves", "I am curvaceous, Be slow", "Love the neighbor, But not while driving" (Ouch!). Spot these innuendos on the highways and you'll wonder who is behind these hilarious road signs in Ladakh. These BRO fellows are not just naughty, they are also witty to come up with words like "Safety on Road is Safe Tea at Home", "After Whisky, Driving Risky", "Eager to Last, Then why Fast" and many more. Thanks to their sense of humor, you will end up having a good laugh after every few turns in Ladakh.

15. Bragging Rights

Of course, you can check off Khardung La from your
bucket list - the (supposed) highest motorable road in the world. But Ladakh
gives you more than just one bragging right. And it is more fun when you can
brag to your friends about the whackier ones, like 'I peed at a military toilet
at Khardung La - possibly one of the highest in the world'. It is up to you to figure out yours.

16. For the Love of Maggi

Yes Maggi, Not Momos. You will find the momos and
thukpas even in Sikkim, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. But nowhere else in India can you see the 2 minute noodle enjoy a more glorified status. At the
remotest of corners and the highest of passes, you will find at least one
person serving maggi. You'll thank that person and you'll thank Maggi, for
being your savior and you'll say, "Bhaiya ek aur maggi dena...".

17. Disconnect to Connect

With the invasion of Androids and iPhones, people have started to care more about these gadgets than they care about their surroundings. Ladakh gives you that rare opportunity to connect with people instead, by
disconnecting you from your gadgets and network. If you are traveling solo, you'll
get the chance to discover yourself. And trust me, you will love going off the radar for a change.

18. Safest Place for Women Travelers

When I was in Leh, I had often walked from Changspa road to Upper Changspa road late at night, where my hotel was. But not even for once I faced cat calls, eve teasing or attempt to touch or molest. In the cities we live in, would we dare to walk on deserted streets after 10 p.m.? I loved Ladakh more because I had my natural freedom there, where I don't have to run indoors early because of some lurking predator at some dark turn of an alley.

Those red cheeks and heart melting smiles will show you what innocence really looks like. They don't own iPads, androids and Xboxes like the kids in our cities do. They play cricket in their natural playgrounds, find pleasure in scooping out and indulging in Wai Wai noodles and they wave at you when you pass by them. They are living their childhood like it is supposed to be lived like. And they might help you find that lost child in you too. 20. The Explorers, Daredevils and Storytellers

It is that one place in India where you'll find a congregation of the explorers , the daredevils and the storytellers. Head there if you want to meet these wonderful people and be inspired by the stories that they have to tell. They will wonder you, inspire you and make you want to live life their way. Them, along with this ruthless land known to us all as Ladakh, will give you the strength and courage to step out of your comfort zone, if you already have not.********************************************************************

No, I am not writing about a house in Singapore. Contrary to Hindi where makan means a house, 'Makan' in Malay, one of the four main languages spoken in Singapore, means 'Eating'!Food is like a national obsession in Singapore and 'makan' is considered a national pastime. The country is like a melting pot of cuisines - a really yummy melting pot of food influenced from the neighboring Malaysia, Indonesia, China and India. Tourists still call this city-state a Shopping Paradise - a place where you can shop till you drop. But merge with the locals to indulge in their favourite pastime and you'll end up calling Singapore a "Foodie Haven" instead.

When asked to choose one particular dish, I may not be able to single out a favorite; but I can take you on a food tour across the city and guide you through three meals of the day - breakfast, lunch and dinner, while showing you around some interesting locations of Singapore.

Let the Makan-spree begin!

Breakfast

I love breakfasts and I can eat breakfast all day. And I love eggs. Add eggs in my breakfast and I'll do a harlem shake for you. And so, we start our day with an excellent breakfast at Tong Ah Eating House, one of the best coffee shops in Singapore.

If you are familiar with Singaporean food, you know it even before I spell - Kaya Toast, the same bread-butter-egg with a twist. It is a toasted pair of bread, smeared with coconut or egg kaya and sandwiching a thick slice of butter that slowly melts within the two warm slices. For an egg lover like me, this is a simple yet perfect breakfast. A kaya toast normally has soft boiled eggs, but I prefer mine boiled for few more minutes so that it's not too runny.

I won't be satisfied until I take a sip off my kopi (coffee) and a bite of Chwee Kueh - a slightly sweet, slightly savory steamed rice flour cake. 'Breakfast like a King' remember? Well, Queen in this case.

Lunch

Whichever part of the world you are in, it's the time of the day when most of us look forward to some feasting.

After exploring Chinatown and the Far East Square, for lunch we head to the Victorian style Lau Pa Sat and order Laksa and a plate of Hainanese Chicken Rice.

Laksa belongs to the Peranakan culture, a mix of Chinese and Malay. A traditional Singaporean Curry Laksa is prepared with vermicelli, coconut milk, fried tofu puffs, fish, shrimps and eggs. It is oh-so-delicious that you would want to order another bowl of it, if only there was not another item on the table - the Hainanese Chicken Rice.

Chicken and Rice - whoever thought of this combo needs a pat on her back (it was definitely a woman). Whether the preparation is a biriyani or fried rice or stroganoff or Hainanese Chicken Rice, this excellent combination never fails. In Singapore, the dish is served as boiled or roasted chicken on top of fragrant flavorful rice, sprinkled with chopped ginger and accompanied with cucumber or vegetables on the side.

Filled with Laksa and Chicken Rice, I know your eyes are drooping. Time to head to the riverfront for a chilled out evening.

Dinner

After an evening of stroll from Robertson Quay to the Fullerton hotel, we choose an alfresco restaurant at Boat Quay for dinner and order Satay with some beer.

Satay reminds me of our Lucknowi kebabs on the skewers. But that's where the similarities end. The soy sauce and turmeric marinade and the peanut dip makes it different from a kebab or a barbecued meat. Served with onions, cucumber and rice cake, it is a finger-licking choice for a dinner, enjoyed best with chilled beer.

Post dinner, we walk to the spectacularly lit Gardens by the Bay, while discussing the day's gastronomical exploits. There are so many varieties of Singapore food, that it is just not possible to taste all in a single day. May be we can try Chilli Crab, Nasi Lemak, Carrot Cake and some Oyster Omelettes tomorrow.I know your answer is YES, because -

This post has been written for the contest "Takeaway Level - Singapore". You can check more about Singapore Cuisine here.